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Parenting

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Original poster

"I'M BORED"

17 replies

Whattodo112222 · 28/05/2023 16:16

Arghhhh
Need a place to vent.
I am a single parent to DD4. She is not a delicate little flower more rather a boisterous little madam..but otherwise extremely lovely.
I feel so pressured to do things when it's nice weather.
Today we're otherwise indoors other than a long walk earlier. I've played with her, read with her and done various craft bits. Have had the tv switched on for a bit and most of the day all ive heard is "I'm bored mummy" AIBU to think its sometimes good for them to be bored! I'm not going out for the sake of it.
We were out all day yesterday and tomorrow I'm taking her swimming. I just wanted somewhat of relaxing day today.
Last week I took her to centre parcs and we were out every day..so she does well.
We don't have much of a garden but we have been out already today.
Just fed up of hearing "I'm bored".

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Rummikub · 28/05/2023 16:20

Yes I agree boredom is good for children. It’s not an unnatural state.

I remember my dd saying I wish you’d told me sooner it was ok to be bored when she was around 8!

Rummikub · 28/05/2023 16:21

What did you want to do on your relaxing day?

Original poster

Whattodo112222 · 28/05/2023 16:21

Rummikub · 28/05/2023 16:21

What did you want to do on your relaxing day?

Nothing too outrageous. Just basically what we've done today and allowing some time to catch up with chores.

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Rummikub · 28/05/2023 16:25

Could she have a ‘chore’ of her own? Pairing socks was one I did with my dd.

It had never occurred to me until I watched my mum do her jobs and have my dc following her around. It was like a master class! She made it look effortless.

FatherJoseFernandez · 28/05/2023 16:32

I think it’s good for them to feel bored and not have activities lined up as it allows them to use their imagination and play games by themselves. If it’s a rainy day we paint / draw, make cakes or play games / jigsaws and then I crack on with chores and they amuse themselves

HashBrownandBeans · 28/05/2023 16:34

My kids all know that if I hear the B word, they will get given housework to do. Can’t remember the last time they said it!

BreehyHinnyBrinnyHoohyHah · 28/05/2023 16:38

My kids are their most creative when I refuse to engage / entertain them. I have found that being firm, along the lines of "Mummy is doing xyz, you need to find a way to entertain yourself" and rinse and repeat is effective. I usually add a caveat that I will play a game / take them out / let them have screen time at X o'clock if they don't pester me for x amount of time etc.

There's usually an initial resistance, but then they come up with something themselves and have invented all sorts of games this way.

RaininSummer · 28/05/2023 16:53

Yes to housework if they can't amuse themselves assuming they have access to art materials, books, construction stuff, a ball etc. She may need a little direction at 4 years old but I agree a bit if boredom is fine as children learn to entertain themselves and develop imagination.

UnravellingTheWorld · 28/05/2023 17:41

I remember being a child and saying I was bored. Mother would always tell me to tidy my room, do the dishwasher, find some chore for me. Wasn't long before I stopped saying it and found something to do myself.

Equalitea · 28/05/2023 23:41

Mine are grown up but if they were ever bored I’d find them something to do (cleaning mostly!) if they couldn’t make their own fun, so after a few times they soon figured out it was best to find their own activities.

Discwriter · 29/05/2023 00:08

Mine aren't allowed to say 'bored' or 'boring'. They do come up with the best games if they figure it out for themselves. As PP, I say at x time, we will do or play this, but now I'm reading, having a cup of tea etc.

SkankingWombat · 29/05/2023 00:40

I always usher DCs upstairs to tidy their rooms when they complain of boredom. They usually grumpily tidy a minimal amount for 5-10mins before getting distracted by their toys and starting to play. I pretend not to notice...

ChaoticCrumble · 29/05/2023 00:50

My mum always used to say ‘only boring people get bored’. I try to remind kids they have so many options, including daytime reading (for some reason they will only read at night)

Flustercuckoo · 29/05/2023 01:15

"Only boring people get bored, DC. Go and find something to do".

Flustercuckoo · 29/05/2023 01:16

Ha, crosspost 😂

PhoenixArisen · 29/05/2023 01:22

Some structure can help.
Give her a 'timetable' for when you have days at home.
Include some chores, some arts and crafts, some exercise/dancing, and anything else you can think of.

Kaffiene · 29/05/2023 01:58

Hmm single parent to a 5 year old here. We enjoy a lazy weekend morning but I don’t think they would manage a full day at home. Even if we don’t meet up with people we usually have to go out and do something to burn off some energy. Even if it’s just a quick half hour in the local park.

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